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An active Christian group, regarding this life we believers must experience.
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It is tempting to interpret the Bible in such a way that makes all of Jesus’ opponents, “heathens/unbelievers.” But the fact of Scripture was that His opposition was much closer to home, primarily from His own family and brethren.

Jesus knew the deceptive ways of Satan very well. And He certainly recognized those who belonged to their father (Jn. 8:44). Understanding that these must first δέω (“bind, tie, fasten; declare to be prohibited and unlawful”) the ἰσχυρός (“strong, mighty,” i.e. the leadership) of the house (local congregation), before they can διαρπάζω (“plunder, rob thoroughly”) the goods (devour the members and take their money, Lk. 16:14) with their cleverly devised tales. (Ref. Mark 3:27).

Most of the educated “scholars” of the day, such as Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, Lawyers, Chief Priests, and elders of the Sanhedrin, sought to find fault in Jesus (ref. Lk. 20:1, 19, 20, 28, Mk. 2:24, 3:6, 22), swinging their logs among the members they caused splinters in the eyes of the upright. These Diotrephic bullies (“proud and arrogant opponents”) were always seeking for such opportunities in order to have their self exalted preeminence (3rd Jn. 9-10). They created law from thin air, bound it, and found Jesus guilty of it, speaking wicked words of the innocent. This to remove Him from the “temple,” before having the ability to swallow the unsuspecting and vulnerable. Jesus knew this very well, He saw how the Devil operated.

The Devil’s influence still functions in the same cunning fashion this hour across the globe, unfortunately. Today’s wolves masquerading as sheep do the same thing (Mt. 7:15). They enter into a local congregation and immediately seek to dismantle the leadership before eating up the low hanging fruit, causing division and sorrow, broken families. And these devils will do their father’s deeds in the name of the “law,” manipulative. And if you are incapable of clarity, discerning the truth, you will fall prey to their control. These prideful snakes have a track record of discouragement, dismantle, depletion, and division. They were a burden on the people then, and they still are today.

Our defence is the armour of God, the sword of the Spirit, the truth (i.e. reality). We must be able to rightly handle the Holy Book with pure motives of the mind (i.e. humble, wise). We must be able to see the threat and extinguish it immediately before it contaminates the community. Sadly most times, we come to this wisdom far too late, yet not in vain. There is always hope in Christ, He will guide us forward. It was necessary for Christ to depart, so that the “Helper” would come to the apostles. Today we have the confirmed writings as a result, and we have the love of truth passionately flamed within our hearts. Jesus remained focused on His ministry, even when dealing with these hypocrites. And so must we remain focused on the mission, even when dealing with these self-righteous brutes. The power of darkness may seem victorious (Lk. 22:53), it isn’t, Christ conquered death (Lk. 22:69).

You are loved. You are appreciated and have purpose. In faith we are pleasing to God, and He will bless us to continue His work. All glory to the Living “I AM.”

Your servant,
SM

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Live Streamed on August 30, 2023 11:14 AM ET
"one Lord, one faith, one baptism,"

How can there be so many when God only gave one? In this session we explore a conversation in regards to the "oneness" of God's plan of redemption, the "common salvation."

00:33:34
Baptisms

On this day, by His grace, through faith (Eph. 2:8), calling on His name, Jesus saved Ron and Reo (Mk. 16:16), as repentant believers confessing Christ, qualifying for immersion as legal citizens of the kingdom, they are now washed of sins (Acts 22:16) and added to His church (Acts 2:41). To God be the glory!

They had been studying with us for several months. We are truly blessed to now call them brother and sister. We are a beautiful and growing family 📜✝️❤️🙏

The love of Christ continues to bring studies, baptisms, and renewals. We thank God for all who support the work 😇

00:00:33
Live Streamed on August 26, 2023 11:40 AM ET
"Justified by Law"

Galatians 5:1-6, our midweek studies.

00:32:24
"Cleansing the Temple"

Sermon Sunday: John 2:13-25
EastCoast church of Christ
Moncton, NB, Canada.
Sunday, Sept. 18th, 2022.

"Cleansing the Temple"
"Water Baptism, Saves?"

In 1 Peter 3:21, we see the explicit inspired words of Peter the Apostle of Jesus the Christ. Was he teaching the Christians of the 1st Century that they were saved by "water?" What exactly did Peter mean within the context? This and more we explore in this exclusive LOCALS podcast session.

POLL question: "was Peter the Apostle married?"

"Water Baptism, Saves?"
PRAYER REQUESTS

What can we pray about? Please leave your requests in the comment thread and we will add it to the list. It is an honour and privilege for us to speak to God on your behalf.

1. @BrnAgain2000 - "Please pray for one of our elders who is experiencing complications from open heart surgery. He and his precious wife just buried their only son last year, so this is a tremendous sadness. Thank y'all. His name is Charles C."

2. @Shnille - "Prayers for our sister Veronick who recently found out she has cancer."

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Sad 😔
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Happy Lord's Day!!

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Rescued - Transferred - Redeemed
The Kingdom of His beloved Son

You've fallen asleep comfy in your bed, and a fire started in your house. You wake to panic as you become aware of your surroundings, trapped by a wall of lavalike heat. You find yourself in danger, where smoke and flames threaten your life. Your neighbors were capable of seeing the threat and had since called for help. The firefighters arrive on the scene and immediately find you in your bedroom--time for a rescue. Are you yet seen in a location of satety? No, not yet. There still needs to be a transfer from the site of dakness, smoke, and fire to an area of light, fresh air, and safety. And so the firefighters guide you out of certain death into a secure location. You have now been saved, not without damage, trauma, and loss. But you've gained your life and get to learn fowared another day.

You've become idle in your sinful behavior and practices. You wake to panic as you become aware of your eternal punishment. A neighbor cares for you enough to share Jesus with you. Will you obey the gospel?

The reception of forgivness was the desired result of all who willfully gave their lives to Christ, submissive to His spiritual operation (Col. 2:11-12). Paul, the apostle, speaking to his brethren in Colossae, was accurate in reminding them of their reconciliation. And how the Word of God they had chosen to hear produced fruit for the Kingdom. The Kingdom was God's preplanned location where all found within would have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

A domain needs a King, Christ Jesus. A Kingdom has boundaries, borders, law and order, and justice. This Kingdom is of a peculiar kind, and we should all seek first legal citizenry (Mt. 6:33). His Kingdom is the body, the church (Col. 2:1,18,24). The body for it has organic members all united for the purposed function--the church fo its assembly, it's family. The way in? Being a repentant believer confessing Christ, immersed into water calling on His name, in order to receive the forgiveness of your sins, being added to His Kingdom, local assembly (i.e. "rescued, transferred, redeemed"). 

This good news of Jesus Christ "was proclaimed in all creation" to give humankind a way out of the flames and sinful consequences. And we are wise to hear its call.

Is your house on fire?

Ref. Colossians 2:13-24

Your servant,

SM

 

 

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